Monday, January 19, 2009

Cheap Eats: McCormick & Schmick's

Despite the fact that Happy Hour drink deals are illegal in Boston, there are still a lot of great deals to be had at bars around town. The bar at McCormick & Schmick's, for example, offers up cheap and delicious meals, a pleasant surprise considering that dinner there can be more on the expensive side.

McCormick & Schmick's Happy Hour menu, served nightly in the bar area, presents a wide range of choices. For $1.95, you can choose from seafood cakes, spinach dip, potato skins, hummus and pita, or a full cheeseburger and fries, as shown above. The cheeseburger is cooked to order, topped with rich cheddar cheese, and served with ultra-crispy french fries - an amazing deal for only $2. Pay a little more for additional options - $3.95 for a cheese quesadilla, meatloaf sandwich, or buffalo wings, and $4.95 for dishes like steamed mussels or cashew-crusted tilapia. Portions are generous, especially considering the price point, and are great for sharing, so order a few and pass them around.

Happy Hour deals are available with a minimum drink purchase of $2.50 per person. That means that your drink may cost double what your food costs, but you can still get out of there for under $10. Happy Hour is available Sunday through Thursday, 3:30-6:30 and again at 9:00-12:00; Friday, 3:30-6:30 and 10:00-12:00; and Saturday, 10:00-12:00. The two McCormick & Schmick's in Boston are located at 34 Columbus Ave. in the Park Plaza, and in the North Market Building of Quincy Market.